Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort to open in Santorini in April 2022

A brand new five-star resort is set to open on the Greek island of Santorini in April. 

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort Santorin, is the result of a partnership between the Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and Athens-based Fais Group.

The resort is the first luxury hospitality venture for Fais Group, a distributor of luxury fashion and sports goods. It also marks the continuation of RHG’s expansion into Greece and the Greek islands.

Located a stone’s throw from the village of Kamari, the resort will officially open its doors on April 18. It will feature 103 spacious guest rooms and suites, as well as several exclusive 54sqm split-level villas, and the Kallisti Spa. 

Meaning ‘the best’ in Greek, Kallisti will offer a complete range of wellness rituals and beauty services, such as facials, full-body massages and nail services, powered by products from Greek skincare brand Korres, which will also be available as in-room amenities alongside Nespresso coffee machines. 

Water will be central to the resort’s offering, which will include a 220sqm heated pool equipped with 80 sun loungers, and a smaller 138sqm heated pool, while hydromassage tubs and private pools will be featured in almost every room.

The resort will also feature a pool bar and several dining options, including the Zeffirino Restaurant, offering a curated menu of Italian cuisine made with recipes developed by the Zeffirino Belloni family and using local produce. 

A programme of luxurious activities such as Drive A Tesla or the Private Yacht Experience, drawing on Fais Group’s portfolio of luxury brands including Salvatore Ferragamo, Tod’s and Phillipp Plein, will also be available. 

Other activities include the nearby Kamari Open-Air Cinema, as well as wine tasting, horseriding on the beach and excursions to several museums including the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, the Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

Designed to celebrate the island of Santorini, the resort’s concept design and masterplan was created by Greek architecture firm Arc-Set, who wanted to create a relaxing, warm and softly-textured haven inspired by Santorini’s rugged landscape. 

Interiors, created by Designteam – Nikos Theodorakopoulos, combine rich textures and a calming, neutral colour palette to create a serene and relaxing environment. Tactile materials, including sustainable wood surfaces, linen and cotton are used throughout. The overall design is complemented by furniture from sought-after homeware brands such as Ethimo and Pols Potten, while black-and-white photographs of Santorini adorn the walls. 

The resort will also be implementing the Radisson Hotels Safety Program, a series of in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocols. Developed in partnership with SGS, a leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, the protocols were designed to ensure guest safety and peace of mind through the duration of their stay. 

“With the opening of Zaffron, we aim to present our ‘sui generis’ approach to hospitality in a way that respects the island’s heritage,” said resort general manager and Fais Group’s director of hospitality, Manolis Papadakis. 

“We also want to introduce a new idea in hospitality by enriching and upgrading our guests’ stay through collaborations with international brands and a wide variety of exclusive events.” 

Yilmaz Yildirimlar, area senior vice-president at RHG, added: “We’re delighted to open this stunning resort on the island of Santorini.

“Bringing the Radisson Blu brand to the Cyclades, Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio of hotels in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. With its stylish spaces and positive, personalised service, the resort is a getaway destination.”